What will I study?
This MA is suitable for writers interested in exploring and developing their own creative work in a lively community of other writers and teachers. The course is based in a world renowned English department that received exceptional results in the latest Research Assessment Exercise in 2008 with 85% of its research being rated as world leading or of international quality.
Special features
At the heart of the course are small group workshops and a series of seminars by staff, visiting writers, publishers and professors, including children's author, David Almond, and screenwriter, Michael Eaton. Other guest speakers have included Geoff Dyer, Alan Hollinghurst, Kathleen Jamie, Jackie Kay, Jonathan Lethem, David Lodge, Michele Roberts and Miranda Seymour. Establishing important links with the publishing community, students work closely with staff and visiting speakers to develop their work to an excellent standard.
The unique flexibility of the course enables students to work in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, children and young adult's fiction, scriptwriting and creative non-fiction. Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives students invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introducing their work to a wider public. Students also have the opportunity to build strong links with Nottingham's thriving literature community and are invited to participate in local events, readings and festivals.
Book onto one of our postgraduate open events .
The Centre for Creative Writing
Find out more about our course, team of professional writers, latest news and students.
Any questions?
General course enquiries
Email us
Admissions enquiries
Telephone: +44(0)115 848 4200
Visit the School of Arts and Humanities website.
Please note the following information for applicants
The course invites you to develop your writing strengths by providing a framework within which you can discuss your own and each other's work. It is suitable for students with a talent for and commitment to creative writing. Ideally, students will also have experience of workshopping.
The core element of the course is a series of seminars and lectures on general writing issues with optional modules in the form of practical writing workshops. Students currently choose two options from fiction, children's and young adult fiction, poetry and scriptwriting. Other options may be available.
The core course regularly hosts talks and readings by writers. Guests have included:
- Neil Arksey
- Carole Blake
- Jenny Diski
- Geoff Dyer
- Michael Eaton
- Alan Hollinghurst
- Kathryn Hughes
- Jackie Kay
- Melanie McGrath
- Jon McGregor
- Hamish Macoll
- Kate Mosse
- Peter Porter
- Celia Rees
- Alan Sillitoe.
Writers from the English department also contribute to the MA.
Modules
The MA in Creative Writing is organised into four modules:
- Core module – Writing: Theory and Practice
- Option One
- Option Two
- Dissertation.
Option modules:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Scriptwriting
- Children's and Young Adult Fiction
Part-time students complete the core module and their first option in Year 1, and the dissertation and their second option in Year Two. Modules run subject to demand.
Assessment
Students take the core module, two options and a dissertation (part-time students do the second option and dissertation in their second year). There are two assignments in each option. These take the form of creative work accompanied by a critical or editorial commentary rather than formal academic essays.
Research opportunities
Creative Writing PhD supervision is also available.
Career development
The unique flexibility of the course enables students to work in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, children and young adult's fiction, scriptwriting and creative non-fiction. Every year our students produce and publish their own high-quality anthology of original creative writing. This gives students invaluable insight into the editorial and publishing industry, as well as introducing their work to a wider public. Students also have the opportunity to build strong links with Nottingham's thriving literature community and are invited to participate in local events, readings and festivals.
Many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is vocationally focused and many recent graduates have acquired agents and publishing deals.
